Author Information

Faculty Mentor Name

Michael Fabian

Format Preference

Poster Presentation with Model

Abstract

The SHARP UAS project explores a new way to achieve and test aircraft at speeds in excess of Mach one. The aircraft (SHARP UAS) will be taken up and dropped from a weather balloon at an altitude of about 120,000 feet, near space. After reaching its maximum speed during free-fall it will be slowed down using a safety parachute and allowed to glide to the ground. This project also incorporates the use of variable-sweep wings, swing-wings. One of the biggest problems pilots faced when flying hypersonic aircraft, such as the SR-71, was slowing down the aircraft to be refueled. This problem can be solved using swing wings. The SHARP UAS will be designed to efficiently fly at Mach one and at slower glide speeds to reach the ground after free-fall.

Ignite Grant Award

Location

AC1 - Atrium

Start Date

4-10-2015 1:00 PM

End Date

4-10-2015 3:30 PM

Share

The SHARP UAS project explores a new way to achieve and test aircraft at speeds in excess of Mach one. The aircraft (SHARP UAS) will be taken up and dropped from a weather balloon at an altitude of about 120,000 feet, near space. After reaching its maximum speed during free-fall it will be slowed down using a safety parachute and allowed to glide to the ground. This project also incorporates the use of variable-sweep wings, swing-wings. One of the biggest problems pilots faced when flying hypersonic aircraft, such as the SR-71, was slowing down the aircraft to be refueled. This problem can be solved using swing wings. The SHARP UAS will be designed to efficiently fly at Mach one and at slower glide speeds to reach the ground after free-fall.